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Rugby is taking a playful leap into early childhood development with the “Canterbury Rugby Little Playfield in university Memorial Stadium” initiative, spearheaded by the Japan Rugby Football Union and supported by Goldwin Co., ltd. this unique caravan project aims to introduce preschoolers to the joys of rugby, fostering physical literacy and a love for the sport from a tender age.The program is designed to be an engaging experience, allowing young children to interact with a rugby ball and develop fundamental motor skills in a fun, group setting.
The core mission behind this initiative is to cultivate an early interest in rugby among preschoolers, thier educators, and parents. By providing hands-on, age-appropriate rugby activities, the program seeks to highlight the benefits of exercise and teamwork for young children.Its important to note that this event is not open to the general public,focusing instead on direct engagement with participating educational institutions.
Event Details: Canterbury Rugby Little Playfield in University Memorial Stadium
organizer: Japan Rugby Football Union
Sponsor: Goldwin Co., ltd.
Host City: Kobe City
Collaborators: Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture Rugby Football association
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: University Memorial Stadium, midoridai, Suma Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 654-0163
Program: “Let’s Play Rugby! 15 Training Menus – An Early Childhood Development Program”
Participating Kindergartens: Ajisai Kindergarten, Wakamiya Nursery School, Ayumi Kindergarten, Naya Midori Kindergarten, Hitomaru Nursery School, Daina Kindergarten, and Kagura Kindergarten. Approximately 240 children from these seven institutions are expected to participate.
Lead Instructor: Yo Mukai
What is the canterbury Rugby Little Playfield?
This caravan project involves the Japan Rugby Football Union staff visiting kindergartens and nursery schools to deliver specialized training programs. The objective is to enhance children’s motor skills through rugby-themed activities, offering them a tangible and enjoyable way to engage with a rugby ball.
Understanding the “Let’s Play Rugby! 15 Training Menus” program
This program is meticulously designed to boost children’s athletic capabilities using rugby as a vehicle. The early childhood years are a critical period for rapid nervous system development, making it essential to cultivate key coordination abilities.These include rhythm, balance, conversion, reaction, connection, localization, and discrimination. The training is structured into five distinct components: warm-up, ball familiarization, passing, catching, and running, all broken down into 15 specific training exercises. This approach mirrors how young athletes in the U.S. might be introduced to sports like American football or soccer, focusing on fundamental movements and skill acquisition before complex game strategies.
While the program focuses on rugby, the underlying principles of developing coordination and motor skills are universally beneficial for young athletes, much like the foundational drills seen in youth soccer or basketball leagues across America.
For more data on early childhood rugby programs, a reference is available at: https://www.rugby-japan.jp/RugbyFamilyGuide/yojiprogram/
A similar event, “Canterbury Rugby Little Playfield in nissan Stadium,” was previously held in Yokohama City, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to this outreach.
Contact information:
Japan Rugby Football Association
Business Promotion Department
Email: [email protected]
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